RFSymptoms: Safety netting advice
AdultsMastitis
DATE LAST REVIEWED: 05/11/2026
When to seek further review
- Arrange GP review if symptoms have not improved after 12 to 24 hours of home care, or within 48 hours of starting antibiotics.
- Get urgent assessment today for a new or enlarging painful breast lump, marked swelling or heat. An abscess may need hospital treatment, even if a fever has settled.
- Get urgent advice sooner if symptoms worsen, redness spreads or fever and shaking chills develop.
- See the GP if not breastfeeding, if a lump or other breast changes remain after treatment, or if mastitis keeps returning. Ask a midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding specialist for feeding support if needed.
- Do not wait for the suggested review time if symptoms become worse, new symptoms appear, or you are worried.
- If you need medical advice and are unsure which service can help, call NHS 111. This includes when your GP is closed or you cannot get the help you need. NHS 111 can direct you to an appropriate local service. You can call even if you are not sure whether symptoms are serious.
When to get emergency help
(Immediately dial 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department)
- Rapidly spreading infection with feeling extremely unwell.
- Fever or shaking chills with fast breathing, a racing heartbeat, faintness or collapse.
- New confusion, slurred speech, or very little or no pee with severe illness.
- Severe difficulty breathing, such as gasping or being unable to speak normally.
- New confusion or not making sense when speaking.
- Being very difficult to wake.
- Collapse or loss of consciousness.
- Blue, grey, unusually pale or blotchy skin or lips, especially when feeling very unwell.
How to spot sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It can get worse quickly. If someone is seriously unwell and may have sepsis, call 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department. Do not wait for every sign, a high temperature or a rash.
An unwell child under 5 who has not had a pee or wet nappy for 12 hours needs emergency assessment. If you are unsure and there are no emergency signs, call NHS 111 for advice.
Sources
- NHS - Mastitishttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mastitis/
- NHS - Sepsishttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis/
- NHS - When to use NHS 111https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-use-111/